HOUSING REPORT
July 17, 2023
The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate decreased by eight basis points in June but ticked back up again the last few weeks. The rate now sits at 6.96% for the week ending July 13—a 15-basis-point increase from the previous week—according to Freddie Mac. A basis point is one-hundredth of one percentage point.Meanwhile, existing home ...
Real Estate Agent advises against Radon Test
July 17, 2023
Q: When I bought my home, the home inspector recommended a radon test for an additional $200. My agent, who attended the inspection, said there had not been any high radon levels in the neighborhood and that the additional fee was a waste of money. So I didn't get a radon test. After closing escrow, I bought a ...
What are the steps a home goes through in Foreclosure?
July 15, 2023
The foreclosure process can vary depending on the state, but there are some general steps that all homes go through.Step 1: DefaultThe first step in foreclosure is when the borrower defaults on their mortgage payments. This means that they have missed two or more consecutive payments. Once the borrower is in default, the lender will send them a ...
Finding the right mortgage for you
July 14, 2023
Are you thinking of buying a house? How do you know what type of mortgage is right for you?The type of mortgage you use to buy a house affects what you'll need to qualify for the loan (including the required down payment amount) and how you'll pay it back. Choosing the right home loan can ...
Benefits of Buying a Starter Home
July 14, 2023
Every buyer entering the home search has an idea of the dream home, but for the first time home buyer a smaller starter home is the perfect path to building equity and creating stability. A starter home is usually one that is more modest in size, typically 2 or 3 bedrooms, under 1200 square feet and at ...
5 Summer Home Maintenance Tips
July 14, 2023
As we enjoy the summer sunshine it is good time to get some home maintenance done too! Here are some items you should be sure to get completed before the summer nights get shorter! Check your home's siding - Check for any lose, damaged or rotted siding and make any repairs if necessary. Hiring a siding ...
Run Your Business, Don't Let Your Business Run You
July 14, 2023
It would be nice if all we had to do was focus on doing the things we love to do in real estate. Showing properties, writing offers, engaging with clients. These are things we love to do, but we must remember that we are also running a business. This is true whether we own our own office or if ...
5 Tips For Buying This Summer
July 13, 2023
5 Tips for Buying a home this Summer 1) Get preapproved for a mortgage before you start shopping.2) Team up with the right lender and agent.3) Be prepared to offer Asking Price or Higher-Price is a major deciding factor when seller reviews offers. 4) Write a "Clean" Offer-the least amount of ...
A Shorter Home Sale Timeline Equals More Money MLive 2023-06-25
July 12, 2023
Whenever a home comes to market, the seller wants to understand how long they should expect the process to take. Over the last two years the time it took to get an offer, go through escrow and transfer to a new owner was as short as it has ever been. The factor behind this speed was almost exclusively due ...
What are 5 things you need to know before buying a house?
July 12, 2023
Buying Your First Home: 5 Things to Know Before You Do#1 Your Down Payment May Not Be the Biggest Hurdle. ...#2 You Probably Will Have to Compromise. ...#3 Be Emotionally Ready for Financial Surprises. ...#4 A Mortgage Can Be Cheaper Than Rent. ...#5 Your Lifestyle May Call for Buying Instead of Renting....
Appraisal
July 11, 2023
An appraisal is one persons opinion of value of an object. The object could be a piece of jewelry, an oil painting, or the home you are planning on purchasing. In the case of a home, the bank or mortgage company sends out an objective third person to confirm that the value of the home is at ...
On the House: How Much House Can You Really Afford?
July 11, 2023
By Clare TrapassoJul 11, 2023Q:How much can I afford to spend on a home?That’s a tricky question because there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to it. Buyers can check out the Realtor.com® affordability calculator to get a sense of how much house they can afford. But the exact amount depends on your personal circumstances.Experts recommend that ...
DIY bathroom ideas on a budget - clever ways to update and give more value to your home
July 08, 2023
https://www.idealhome.co.uk/bathroom/bathroom-ideas/diy-bathroom-ideas-on-a-budget-251558 HOME BATHROOM BATHROOM DECORDIY bathroom ideas on a budget - clever ways to affordably update a tired schemeGive your bathroom a new look for less with these do-it-yourself updatesEveryday use can take its toll on our wash spaces, but you can easily give yours a refresh with one of these DIY bathroom ideas on a ...
HUD Announces More Than $3.1 Billion to Help People Experiencing Homelessness
July 07, 2023
HUD No. 23-134HUD Public Affairs(202) 708-0685FOR RELEASEWednesdayJuly 5, 2023HUD Announces More Than $3.1 Billion to Help People Experiencing HomelessnessIn response to a growing homelessness crisis, HUD makes largest-ever single-year investment in communities’ homelessness response systems.WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced that it will provide more than $3.1 billion ...
Foreclosure shouldn't be a dirty word
July 07, 2023
We're all aware of the stories in the mainstream media about the instances of unconscionable behavior exhibited by rogue servicers, lenders, brokers or service providers during the foreclosure process. This was especially pronounced in the early days of the housing meltdown in 2008, but the images and perceptions linger today. The stories were easy to tell — compelling, ...
Home Affordability Worsens Across U.S.
July 07, 2023
Home Affordability Worsens Across U.S. During Second Quarter Of 2023 As Home Prices Tick UpwardsMajor Home-Ownership Expenses Consume One-Third of Average Wage; Historic Affordability Hits Low Point Since 2007; Affordability Declines as Median Home Price Spikes 10 PercentIRVINE, Calif. – June 29, 2023 — ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property, and real estate data, ...
Everything a First Time Buyer Should Know
July 06, 2023
Buying your first home can be an exciting and intimidating experience all at the same time. It’s a major milestone in anyone’s life, but it can be daunting to navigate the complex world of real estate and mortgages. Fear not, though! With a little bit of knowledge, you can confidently navigate the home buying process and make ...
Home Prices Continue to Rise Despite Sales Slowdown
July 05, 2023
Low housing supply continues to push up home prices, and eager buyers are showing willingness to pay more. The median existing-home price for all housing types in August reached $407,100 nationwide, a nearly 4% increase compared to a year earlier, the National Association of REALTORS® reported Thursday. This also marks the third consecutive month for median sales ...
REO Specialists Llc Kalamazoo MI Real Estate Broker Earns the Certified Probate Specialist Designation
June 30, 2023
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - June 23, 2023 - PRLog -- Kalamazoo Michigan – REO Specialists Llc, a leading provider of exceptional real estate services in Kalamazoo Michigan, is proud to announce that their Principal Real Estate Broker, Richard Stewart, has successfully completed the rigorous training and certification program to become a Certified Probate Specialist (CPRES). This prestigious designation highlights ...
Creating a search request for a property
June 21, 2023
If for some reason, a property is no showing it is no longer available, there is a way to be notified if and when it comes back to market. This property may have an accepted contract, or it may have been removed a title related matter or another reason. You can be notified via email direct from HUD when ...
Choosing Better Paint Colors
June 19, 2023
Painting can be a great way to customize your house and make it into a home. Whether you’re just adding a splash of color or redoing entire rooms to match your favorites, a fresh coat of paint is a great way to take a home that you bought and really make it yours. Unfortunately, not everyone is great ...
Exclusive 30 Day Period for Owner-Occupant Buyers
June 17, 2023
The Federal Housijng Administration is offering a exclusive look at foreclosed properties to owner - occupied buyers, goverment agencies, and HUD- approved nonprofits. The 30-day exclusive period will give buyers an opportunity to bid on foreclosed properties before investors. This also gives buyers more time to secure financing for the sale.This policy change is critical as the ...
12 WAYS TO GET YOUR OFFER ACCEPTED
June 16, 2023
12 WAYS TO GET YOUR OFFER ACCEPTED IN THIS CRAZY MARKET 1. Higher Earnest Money Deposits – Increase after contingency removal.2. Clean Offers – Conventional mortgage, down payment, not “subject to”.3. Include Pre-Approval letter from a local lender!4. Communicate with Listing Agent – What are the seller’s needs?5. Honor appliances and chattel property ...
Want to buy a home? It'll cost you $1,030 a month more than renting
June 16, 2023
The premium for buying a home is now 17% higher than it was a year ago thanks to high interest rates and stubborn home prices, according to John Burns Real Estate Consulting.In these times, double down — on your skills, on your knowledge, on you. Join us Aug. 8-10 at Inman Connect Las Vegas to lean into the ...
9 Tips for Homebuyers!
June 15, 2023
9 Tips for Homebuyers!1) Work on improving our credit score.2) Chose your agent carefully.3) Be patient.4) Shop around for a loan.5) Don't ignore your agents advice.6) Understand the local market.7) Opt for a smaller home than planned, if necessary.8) Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. 9) Figure out your home buying timeline....
